Our Christmas Miracle

This is what our kids woke up to on Christmas morning.  None of it would have been possible without  the help we were given. 

It's really hard for me to describe what transpired though the holiday season.  It has left me speechless, surprised, even teary eye, and defiantly very humbled.  Sally and I have always made it a point to be charitable especially during the Christmas season.  In a million years, I never would have thought we would be the ones on the receiving end.  It is more difficult to receive then it is to give. The pride thing really gets in the way.  

We were overwhelmed by all the help we received.  First, the Santa who paid for your our trip.  Then their were a couple of other "Santa s" who so generously gifted us. Next were my siblings, who made sure we have spending money for Disney.  Then, there were relatives who Sally has not spoken to in years who made sure our kids had enough spending money and gifts under the trees and generously helped us out financially as well.  Then there was my work, Avery Dennison/EcKart. The generosity and out pouring of gifts truly amazed and touched me.  

I am not very good with words or expressing myself.  The post had to be written but I am not sure how to convey my thoughts and emotions. I thought Sally did a decent job in our thank you/Christmas cards. So here it is.  

              

Dear Family and Friends,

In 2011 we came across many difficult challenges.  Even with all the “bad” news that fell on us, we cannot say it has been an awful year.  It has been difficult and trying but definitely not awful. 

Only by the grace of God and the help from family and friends we were able to get through the year with many great memories, less worries, and the knowledge of knowing we have many people who support us and love us.  That alone is one of the best gifts to ever have.

As many of you know “Santa” generously sent our family to Disney World.  It was a vacation that would have never happened otherwise.  It was the only time in a long time our lives were not consumed by doctors and appointments.  We were given the chance just to focus on having fun and being a family. We will always cherish that time we had at Disney.

Disney would have not been the same without those who so generously helped us financially.  It was wonderful to be able not to have to worry about having enough to spend.  We even had enough left over to catch up on some bills and buy some Christmas gifts. 

If that wasn’t enough, many people made sure our family had a great Christmas. It has been the first time in a very long time that we were able to have all of our month’s bills paid.  It will be nice to celebrate the holidays not having those worries.

We would also like to acknowledge the constant prayers and support we have continually received during the last 3 years.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without it.

Saying thank you does not seem adequate.  We will be forever grateful.  We pray that you will be blessed as much as we have been. 

                                                                                                           Thank you,

                                                                                                            Love,

Bill, Sally, Michael, Zachary, and Kaity                                     

                             

Disney Day 6

Note: This was written before I was in the Hospital.


Day 6 was our last day in Disney. The kids woke up to a surprise.  St. Nickolas paid them a visit during the night (St Nickolas Day is Dec,6th).  Except, Zachary shoe was missed and Michael shoe had things that Zach would have wanted ooooooops.   We spent the morning challenged by trying to pack all of the kids souvenirs in our luggage without going over the weight limit. Michael took the kids to play video games while Sally and I were left scratching our heads trying to decide what items we should leave behind to make room.  


After we cleared out the rooms, we headed to Down Town Disney.  By this time I was in a lot of pain and was feeling lousy.  Sally's feet were so swollen her shoes no longer fit and she had to wear sandals or was it slippers. Or maybe they were her bare feet formed to look like foot Decor. Kaity still had gift cards to use.  After a couple of stores, I could no longer bare walking around. Zach and I found a place to sit right off the lake.  We sat there and talked.  It was very enjoyable.  Just the two of us and all of Zachary's brain stumping questions.  Michael went off to do his own thing and Sally and Kaity went shopping.Finally Michael showed up and I got a little break. At that point my head was smoking and not because of the weather.  We than met up and ate at Wolfgang Puck Express.  Of course I ordered spaghetti.  It was the only time during the entire vacation I ordered it.  Sally and Michael each ordered a pizza and Zach ordered meat loaf.  The food was brought to the table.  My spaghetti looked good and it even tasted good.  But the pizza's even looked better.  They were paper thin and looked deliciousness.  Made me regret my decision for spaghetti.  Which is the first, because spaghetti trumps over pizza but not that day.  Zach's dish has finally arrived. It looked like something you would see out of a magazine. A magazine with really big and tall things.  It was a carefully plated plate of mashed potatoes, topped with a slice of meat loaf that was about 4" thick wrapped in bacon and had thin fried onions on top of it, with barbecue sauce swirled on the plate.  It looked very intriguing.  Zach took a couple of bites and said he was full, no doubt.  What a waste of a master piece I was thinking.  Sally and Michael didn't finish their food either.  In front of me sat all of this uneaten visual appealing food.  In my former days I would have gave it my all to not let go to waste.  Unfortunately, I hurt to bad to eat and didn't even make a dent in my spaghetti either.I left to Disney weighing 210 lbs came home at about 200. Not very good news,but hope it will improve soon.

The flight home was better then the flight there. The boys seemed to handle it better.  Michael only grabbed my hand a couple of times.  Towards the end Kaity started to get upset because her ears were hurting but she wasn't loud.  We were all sad to leave Disney but was glad to be back home.  


It's been two weeks since we have been home.  Zach and Kaity are still talking about the vacation.  They even asked me today if we will be able to go back.  I am so thankful we were able to go and that I was well enough to enjoy.  The recent postings were never intended to be that far apart.  After we got back, the pain had become worse.  Even with all the pain medication I was taking, there wasn't much relief.  Last week I had chemo and an appointment with the oncologist.  My doctor wanted me to go in for a scan to see what is going on. I asked if I could wait until after the New Year.  I want my family and I to enjoy our holidays.  If it is going to be bad news, I didn't want that to be the focus for everyone.  In the mean time some of my pain medications have been adjusted and some new ones have been added.  As of now, I am feeling much better. I still have pain but I am still functionable with it. The past couple of days I have been eating more as well.  I have lost over 30 pounds since October, so I am glad to be able to and wanting to eat.  


There is so much more I need to say.  I am going to wait for another day though.  
God Bless,
Bill

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve 2011

Last night, I was called back to the hospital.  Bill needed to have two infusions of whole blood.  This morning he was feeling much better.  He was told that if the blood cutler tested negative and the rest of the labs looked good, he could be home tonight.  

While he waited, he had many visitors today.  First his mom, dad, brother Mike, and his nephew Eli.  Then his sister Lisa visited him with lots of goodies. Our friend Ron and his 3 little ones paid a visit. They brought Bill a Cubs book.  My sister Stacie visited him as well.  It was nice for him to know that so many people care.  It was great for me, because I didn't feel guilty not being there. I was able to stay home and take care of somethings. 


Early evening, he found out he was able to go home.  If that wasn't enough good news, "Santa" made sure we had a good dinner tonight.  We are a very blessed family with many great family and friends.  Thank you.
Sally

ERCP Day

This afternoon, Bill has an ERCP http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ERCP done.  Indeed the stent was clogged.  A plastic stent was put in the bile duct.  The metal stent remains because it can not be removed.  The plastic stent is  only good for 3 months, so I am not sure what happens next.

I was told before the procedure the infection is in his blood stream.Which is most likely caused by the bile duct.  Bill will be in the hospital through Christmas. I do not know when it is expected for Bill to come back home. He also had a CT done last night, but I do not know the results.

After the ERCP was finished, we waited for the gastric doctor to talk to us. He never showed up. We waited for him for a long time and at that point I said as long as the oncologist knows what is going on, I am fine with that.  Since I knew, the oncologist would be up to see Bill and he could explain everything to me. Michael and I waited and waited and waited.  Luckily, Bill's sister Carolyn and her husband John took Zach and Kaity to the movies and out to dinner. I knew they were having a good time and that was a huge relief to me.  After not eating all day,Michael and I went to the cafeteria to grab a bite. I told Bill to call my cell phone if a doctor shows up.   When I got back in the room Bill was sleeping.  A priest came in the room and administered  "The Sacrament of the Sick". Bill talked to me for a  bit.  My mom called and I mentioned I was still there waiting for the doctor.  Then I heard Bill said "he was here already".  By then it was 6pm.  I asked Bill a bunch of questions but he didn't know anything either.  I was frustrated to say the least.  This is the reason I do not know anything.

Now I have to figure out how to make Christmas special for everyone.  I still have some shopping to do, the kids want to make cookies and I need to be with Bill as well.  Plus, all the stores will be closing early tomorrow for Christmas Eve.  I really need to learn how to juggle.  I will figure everything out in the morning. :)  Thank you once again for all the prayers.  I know they are working.   ~Sally

Bills is back in the hospital

Yesterday morning Bill was running a slight fever.  Through out the day the fever progressed.  About 10pm I took him to the E.R. to have him check out.  He wasn't experiencing any flu like symptoms and nothing hurt so I was baffled why he would have a fever.  The blood work showed the liver enzymes are elevated. He also looked jaundice when he was in the E.R.  I didn't notice at home with the dim lights.  With his medical history the doctors think there is a blockage in the stent.  


Today, Bill rested and antibiotics are being administered. He isn't eating much. His brother Mike came up to visit him.  I was able to leave the hospital and have lunch with my mom and run to Target while Mike was there.  A couple of times Bill had severe shakes.  We were told that is common when there is in infection.  Demerol is given through the IV when that happens, and shakes stop almost spontaneously.  


The oncologist saw Bill this evening.  He said he is going to order test to see if they can see what is causing the infection.  He said whatever it is, the gastric doctor will have to go back in and see if he can fix it. If it's a blockage in the stent, it can be cleaned out.  Sometimes the stent comes infected.  Not sure if they replace the stent if that happens.  He said there is a possibility the tumor has grown and the stent is blocked.  If that's the case, the doctor will try to put a new stent in.  There is also the possibility a new stent can't be put in and the blockage will remain in the bile duct.  


As for friends and family,I am sorry for not calling.  I only had 4 hours of sleep and I am tired.  Not only that but I am at the hospital for over 9 hours.  When I get home I barely have enough time with the kids plus I have to worry about keeping up with the house and laundry.  And with Christmas in 3 days I am still trying to figure out how to finish shopping and everything else I need to do to get ready.  


Thank you for all the prayers.  Sally

Disney Day 5

We began  day five at Animal Kingdom.  This was the park the kids had been looking forward to the most. Maybe it's because they feel more comfortable around animals.  Because of the fiasco of the night before, Sally made dinner reservations as soon as we walked through the gate.  The rest of the day we were free to roam the park in leisure.  We went on the Kilimanjaro Safari, the kids took a nap during The Finding Nemo musical, and we did tons of walking that day. I also ran into the same guy from work, I saw yesterday. At two different parks. What are the odds of that?  My pain was beginning to effect me.  I was hurting a lot and it started to show.  We stay at Animal Kingdom until after our dinner. We ate at the Tusker House.  It was a buffet with African cruisine. We were seated near the windows which we were able to watch Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade while we dined. My wife told us we should be daring and try the different kinds of food. The boys and I filled our plates with food from the "kiddie" section while Sally tried the different dishes and glared at our plates. Hey I am still a kid at heart and I love kiddie food. Who said I have to eat like an adult?  Mini corn dogs,mashed potatoes, mac and cheese rules out "adult" food on any day.  Especially, when the adult food is foreign to me.  If it were an Italian Cruisine I would have been more then gladly to stay away from the kiddie table but it wasn't. 

                                              There is actually a person in all that  foliage. Can you see them?

After Animal Kingdom we went to Magic Kingdom since they were staying open until 1AM.  It took almost an hour to catch the shuttle.  From the bus we had to catch the ferry to get to Magic Kingdom.  It took almost 2 hours to get there.  It was a long hot day and waiting for transportation about did me in.  We get to M.K.  and it is crowded and the twilight parade was in progress. Kaity couldn't see so I held her up on my shoulders so she could watch. She loved the parade.  I did not regret what I did but I paid for it dearly.  After that I was finished.  I couldn't do no more.  I was physically and emotionally drained.  I felt awful not being able to continue on. My family reassured me they didn't mind and went back to the hotel with me.  No one seemed disappointed but I was.  


When we got back to our rooms, Michael took the little ones swimming.  Sally and I took it easy while I waited for the pain medication to kick in and Sally rested her cankles.

Disney Day 4

By day 4, the tow started to show.  Sally was then complaining about her feet, Michael was tired, Zach lagged 50 ft behind us, and I started to hurt really bad but tried to act like I was fine.  I had to snicker to myself when I would see my family.  Here I am the one sick with cancer and I look like I was doing much better then they were.  


Sally was on the mission to take the little ones to see what they missed out on at Epcot.  Even though I thought she was crazy, I understood.  This was their first time at Disney and most likely their only time until they are an adult.  Sally wanted to make sure they experience everything they could while they were there.  Exhausting and as crazy it may have been, I wasn't going to fight her on that.  She woke up bright and early to take the little ones.  She told Michael and me to sleep in and meet them later.  Of course, I wanted to be with them and I pushed myself to go.  Michael, decided to sleep in and caught up with us later.  


We were able to see the attractions that were missed.  Thanks to the guest assistance card, we were able to bi-pass all the long lines which saved us a lot of time.  Of course we had to see "Turtle, A Talk With Crush".  I must say I enjoyed it.  After Crush talked about his life, he started to ask the young audience members questions.  Kaity was the first one he addressed.  He asked her, her name.  She answered really shyly "Kaaaaity".He then said "Hi, Kaaaity" really shyly.  The audience laughed.  Then he asked Zach the same and Zach replied shyly as well. So Crushed said "Hi Zachary" really shyly.  The audience laughed which embarrassed Zach.  When Crushed asked Zach where he was from, Zachary wouldn't answer him back.  


I enjoyed all the  parks but if I had to choose one that was my favorite, it would have to be Epcot. We stayed there until the afternoon and then we went to Hollywood Studios.  I forgot to mention while at Epcot I ran into a guy from work. Not once, but twice at two different parks.  I thought that the was kind of weird. 

Hollywood Studios was a very neat place to go. Zachary really enjoyed the Star Wars attractions and we all thought Indiana Jones was really cool.  Even though the park was open until midnight, we had to move quickly to see the live events because they closed earlier than the park did.  After we were finished, everyone was hungry.  Sally had canceled all the table side reservations to make it less hectic but we then realized it is almost impossible to get in anywhere without a reservation and still had full service meals left on our dining plan.  Sally suggested that Michael and I asked at a couple of places while Kaity and her were walking back to meet us from a show.  I left it to Michael to do the asking and he was told "No".  Sally met up with us and she took us to a place that looked crowded.  People were waiting to be seated.  I thought again, she must be crazy.  She walked in and talked with the manager.  She walked out and said we needed to go next door and ask them if they will seat us.  Michael decided he would ask and with out any hesitance they told Michael they were booked.  So Sally walked backed to the first place and then walked back with the manager and we were sitting down eating 5 minutes later.  The waiter that waited on us was very personable.  He talked to us and even tried to help us find reservations for the following day.  He said if you use some charm you can usually get what you want.  Apparently, my wife has more charm then my son does.  


We stayed there until right before closing.  I was so glad when we got back to our rooms.  I was in so much pain but at that point I was still able to hide it and was determined to wake up the next morning bright eyed and bushy tale.

I have to protect my head from the harsh sun rays. I know it's  night time. The harsh  sun  rays where  still harsh.

Every night we came back to a unique window display.  

Is that or is that not Sally behind Michael?

Disney Day 3

Disney day 3 was a very long and exhausting day.  Sally had an appointment at 9:30 in the morning at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/.  Sally suggest the "boys" can sleep in and meet up with the "girls" later.  I didn't want to miss my daughter going into the palace and turning into a princess. Although she is already my princess and she knows it.  I don't want to  miss out on the "special" days in her life. I want to make sure I am there for her while I am still here, I am not going to miss out on any of them if I can be there.  We had to be out the door by 8am.  We were all tired.  Sally told me after the lunches with the princess, there will be no more following a schedule.  She had canceled all the dinner reservations.  It seemed like we were planning everything all around the reservations which made things more complicated.  


We arrived at Magic Kingdom expecting it not to be very populated.  We were wrong.  It was packed and tight with miles of people.  I mean sardine packed. Wearing underware so tight it looked more like you had a rubber band on instead.  The Disney parade was in progress.  It was being filmed for a future Disney Show.  We also found out Justin Bieber was there as well.  Or should I spell it like my wife does, Justin Beaver?  Not that I am a Bieber fan. I never heard an entire song that he ever recorded.  But for some reason, I was intrigued with his presence and found myself looking for him.  I just didn't make it obvious. Mind you  my wife is in the boutique with Kaity, who is getting her Princess makeover and I am out looking for Justin Bieber while not looking obvious, I finally saw him at a distance being interviewed. At one point the camera was pointed my way. So if you do see this special with the Bieber you will notice a flock of teenage, maybe not that old younger girls surounding a 46 year old man with a goofy (no pun intended) grin wondering how did I get here. My mind is still a blur. but I did see his manager up close. Mario Lopez was there also but he wasn't as popular as the Bieber So I left as f I was a cast member.


Getting back to the boutique, there were lots of little girls there getting their make overs by the fairies in training.  Kaity picked out the hair styled she wanted.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  Being treated like a little princess and having photographers taking her pictures, she acted like she was born to be a princesses. That was very evident.

Kaity with the Fairies in training.

Fairy Dust

Daddy and his little girl. After finishing my scouting for Justin Bieber

Zach's beauty make over. This took a lot longer.

Our Disney hair cuts.  

The boys ( Zack and Michael) met up with us at the castle. We were in a hurry to leave the mad house. When we left there was a huge line of people trying to get in.  It was nuts.  All because of the Beiber, who had already left from what I heard.  We went to Epcot.  We had lunch reservations with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. The princess would come up to the table individually for pictures.  Kaity did enjoy it but she was tired and a little on the shy/crabby side.

Kaity met a friend waiting for lunch.

Twins!

After lunch, Sally kept her word and relinquish the map. She gave it to the boys.  We followed the boys going from country to country.  I had a good time looking at the shops and not being rushed or stuck in lines.  Michael enjoyed the spirits from the other countries.  Kaity slept and Zach was bored.  He mentioned a couple of times about rides but we didn't see anything.  Towards the end of the day, we realized we missed an entire section that had lots of attractions the kids would enjoy.  It was already almost 8pm so we decided to call it a day, take the kids swimming and wake up early the next day to go back and see what we missed.  I was glad to call it a day early. The pain started to kick in.  I wasn't feeling well and doing my best to put on a happy face and keep up with the kids.  I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want everyone to go back to the hotel because of me. But I was mighty glad when it was decided to make it an early night.

An American Bald Eagle.  First time for my kids to ever seen one in the wild .

                                             The Homies

                               Still looking for the Bieber But at Epcot.

Sleeping Beauty in action.  

Disney Day 2

The morning of day 2, I woke up early.  I woke up at 3am and couldn't fall back to sleep.  The night before, Sally mentioned about getting an early start. When I finally got out of bed, Sally yelled at me for making to much noise.  She sent me to the concierge and the gift shop.  When I got back, the boys were up and ready.  Sally and Kaity were still sleeping in bed.  Sally told me to take the boys to Downtown Disney for haircuts and she would meet us there later. I later found out Kaity had a hard time falling to sleep the night before.  She was home sick and crying for her grandma. Sally said they didn't fall to sleep until 2am. 


The boys and I did what we were told.  Except, there was not a barber shop.  We went looking around and it didn't take long for Zach to spot the Lego Store.  Kaity and Sally joined us.  We walked around and had lunch at Planet Hollywood. Zach didn't eat his lunch because a Chucky doll that was in an enclosed glass case freaked him out and he lost his appetite.

From there we went to Magic Kingdom.  We had tickets to "Mickey's Merry Christmas Party".  The entire park was decorated for Christmas.  It was spectacular.  We stood in front of the castle and watched it light up.  Kaity's eyes were huge and I stood there with pride holding her. There were Christmas Carolers, hot chocolate and cookies stations, fire works and a parade.  We spent most of the night riding all the rides and getting autographs and pictures with the Disney characters.  I never got a chance to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie but I did have a lot fun with the kids.  We stayed until midnight. Would have stayed later if the park didn't close. 

I had to practically lasso Zach to get him away from Tinkerbell. I don't know where is gets the smoothness from.
I have chemo in the afternoon but, will try to get another blog out.